Belly of the Dragon

The Belly of the Dragon is a manmade tunnel that was created to divert water underneath Highway 89. Today it is a popular side trip for anyone traveling through this section of southern Utah. The tunnel trailhead is located just off the highway and is accessed by a gravel/dirt road. Park anywhere near the tunnel entrance.

The most difficult part of this short hike is getting up into the tunnel. While easy for most, very young kids or the elderly may have trouble getting over the concrete and rocks near the entrance.

Once inside, enjoy the scenic tunnel that stretches underneath the roadway. The rippling sandstone you see inside is sadly carved with many names of prior visitors. Please follow Leave No Trace principles and don’t carve anything into the rock.

The tunnel emerges on the other side of the highway where an unmaintained dirt road can be followed further if one wises to extend their hike. Otherwise return through the tunnel and back to your vehicle.